Machine and method for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like employing curved sewing needles with corresponding movement of needle bars

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. In one example, the present invention may be applied (e.g., as a machine and/or method) to a multi-needle machine or method.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/148,716, filed Jan. 30, 2009. The aforementioned application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a nachine for sewing,embroidering, quilting and/or the like.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method forsewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like.

In one example, the present invention may be applied (e.g., as a machinerind/or method) to a multi-needle machine or method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various machines for quilting, stitching and the like have beendisclosed in various patent-related documents. Examples include thefollowing: U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,507, issued Aug. 1, 1972 to Landoni(entitled “MUTLINEEDLE QUILTING MACHINE”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,281,issued May 16, 1978 to Landoni (entitled “CONTROL DEVICE OF ANEEDLE-BEARING IN A QUILTING MACHINE”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,417, issuedAug. 15, 1978 to Landoni (entitled “APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THEMOVEMENT OF A FABRIC-SUPPORTING CARRIAGE IN A QUILTING MACHINE”); U.S.Pat. No. 4,262,613, issued Apr. 21, 1981 to Landoni (entitled “APPARATUSFOR CONTROLLING THE TRANSVERSE MOVEMENT OF A FABRIC SUPPORTING CARRIAGEIN A QUILTING MACHINE”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,208, issued Feb. 26, 1985to Landoni (entitled “PROCESS FOR THE BIDIRECTIONAL FEEDING OF FABRICSIN QUILTING MACHINES, AND A MACHINE UTILIZING THIS PROCESS”); U.S. Pat.No. 5,005,499, issued Apr. 9, 1991 to Landoni (entitled “DEVICE FORDISABLING AND ENABLING STITCHING NEEDLES IN A QUILTING MACHINE OR AMULTI-NEEDLE EMBROIDERY MACHINE”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,238, issued Dec.14, 1993 to Landoni (entitled “QUILTING MACHINE LOOPERS WITHLINKAGE/PISTON DRIVEN THREAD CUTTERS”): U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,077, issuedOct. 14, 1997 to Landoni (entitled “MULTI-NEEDLE CHAIN STITCH SEWINGMACHINE WITH THREAD SEVERING SYSTEM”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,068, issuedOct. 19, 1999 to Landoni (entitled “MULTI-NEEDLE KNOTTED-STITCH QUILTINGMACHINE WITH LOWER STITCHING ELEMENTS HAVING ROTATING HOOKS”): U.S. Pat.No. 6,957,615, issued Oct. 25, 2005 to Landoni (entitled “METHOD ANDDEVICE TO APPLY CORD THREAD OR RIBBONS ONTO FABRICS IN A QUILTINGMACHINE”); U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0245283, published Oct. 9, 2008in the name of Landoni (entitled “AUTOMATIC MULTI-FUNCTION MULTI-NEEDLESEWING MACHINE, AND RELATIVE SEWING METHOD”): and U.S. Pat. No.7,591,227, issued Sep. 22, 2009 to Landoni (entitled “SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR THREAD HANDLING AND/OR CUTTING”).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional side view of a machine according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows various details associated with a portion of the machineas shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of the machine of FIG. 1A(this cross-sectional side view is taken at position different from thecross-sectional side view of FIG. 1A).

FIG. 2B shows various details associated with a portion of the machineas shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a portion of the machine of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2Aand 2C.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a portion of the machine of FIGS. 1A, 1B,2A and 2C.

FIG. 5 shows various details associated with a portion of the machine asshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows various details associated with a portion of the machine asshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a portion of the machine of FIGS.1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

FIG. 7B shows various details associated with a portion of the machineas shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A shows another perspective view of a portion of the machine ofFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

FIG. 8B shows another perspective view of a portion of the machine ofFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B (this view is similar to the view of FIG. 5A,but with certain parts removed to show other parts).

FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of a portion of the machine ofFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a portion of a machine with independentneedle bars according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11-18 show views of various example patterns that may be producedusing various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 19-22 show views of additional various example patterns that maybe produced using various embodiments of the present invention (each ofthese Figs. shows an example pattern on a mattress, along with a detailview of a portion of the associated pattern).

FIGS. 23-29 show views of additional various example patterns that maybe produced using various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 30-32 show views of additional various example patterns that maybe produced using various embodiments of the present invention (each ofthese Figs. shows an example pattern on a mattress, along with a detailview of a portion of the associated pattern).

FIG. 33 shows an example configuration using three needle bars accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 shows an example configuration (in table format) using threeneedle bars according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 35A-35H show views of various example independent needle barmovement available using various embodiments of the present invention(each needle bar is shown end-on in these FIGS. 35A-35H, with eachassociated row of needles pointing downward).

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention, will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE. INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein:however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, andnot restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components(and any data, size, material and similar details shown in the figuresare, of course, intended to be illustrative and not restrictive).Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ thepresent invention.

Of note, the application contains material that is subject to copyrightprotection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the copyrighted material, as it appears in thePatent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

As described herein, in one embodiment the present invention may providea multi-needle machine utilizing curved needles and/or independentmovement of the needle bars.

Further, as described herein, in one example the present invention maybe distinguished from certain conventional systems that, due toconsiderable inertia of the moving parts (and their complexity) presentin such conventional systems, have various shortcomings, including (hutnot limited to):

Relatively limited sewing speed

Relatively high wear associated with sliding parts

Impossible to control independently a plurality of needle bars

Relatively high cost due to quantity and complexity of components

Further, as described herein, in another embodiment the presentinvention may provide a multi-needle double chain stitch quiltingmachine in which the sewing needles are curved to fit a semicircular,oscillating-alternating movement of the needle bars.

Further, as described herein, in another embodiment the presentinvention may provide a machine that allows for higher sewing speed due(at least in part) to the lower inertia of the moving parts.

Further, as described herein, in another embodiment the presentinvention may provide a machine that allows independent control of two,three (or more) needle bars such that certain patterns (e.g., sewingpatterns) that are typically impossible (or very difficult) toaccomplish on certain conventional machines (e.g., without independentlymoveable needle bars such that all needle bars are in movement) may beproduced (e.g., produced relatively easily using an embodiment of thepresent invention).

Further, as described herein, in another embodiment the presentinvention may provide a machine that has reduced manufacturing costs.

Reference will now be made to the Figs.

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional side view of a machine according to anembodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 1B shows variousdetails associated with a portion of the machine as shown in FIG. 1A.

As seen in these FIGS. 1A and 113, a free end of each of arms 9, 10, 11is driven in this embodiment in a reciprocating manner in an arc (seearrows A,B,C of FIG. 1B which indicate the arcs along which the freeends of each of arms 9, 10, 11 is driven (the drive mechanism isdiscussed in more detail below). Of course, as the free ends of each ofarms 9, 10, 11 is driven in an arc, each of needle bars 3,4,5 (which areattached, respectively, to arms 9, 10, 11) is also driven in an arc.Moreover, of course, as each of needle bars 3,4,5 is driven in an arc,each needle 1 is also driven in an arc (any desired number of needlesmay be attached to each needle bar).

In one example, one or more of the needles may be curved. In anotherexample, all of the needles may be curved. In another example, at leastone needle may have different radius of curvature than at least oneother needle. In another example, all of the needles may have the sameradius of curvature. In one specific example, a radius of curvature of aneedle may be about 200 mm, in another example 100 mm, and in anotherexample 50 mm.

Of note, in one embodiment, use of curved needles may provide for alighter assembly that runs at a higher speed with a lower parts count.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is seen that presser feet100A,100B100C may be reciprocated (e.g., by a motor) up and down by thecomponents generally identified in FIG. 1A as Portion 100.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A and B, it is seen that hooks 2 may bereciprocated (e.g., by a motor) by the components generally identifiedin FIG. 1A as Portion 200 (see arrows G,H,I of FIGS. 1A and 1B showingthe movement of hooks 2 around their respective pivot points).

Thus, as seen, each of needles 1 may be driven in an arc to cooperatewith hooks 2 and presser feet 100A,100B,100C to perform any desiredsewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like.

Of course, the various components may be driven (e.g., reciprocated) byone or more motor(s). In one example, a first motor may drive (e.g.,reciprocate) arms 9, 10, 11; a second motor may drive (e.g.,reciprocate) presser feet 100A, 100B,100C; and a third motor may drive(e.g., reciprocate) hooks 2. In another example, a single motor maydrive (e.g., reciprocate) arms 9, 10, 11 and/or presser feet100A,100B,100C and/or hooks 2.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is seen that arms 9, 10, 11 maybe reciprocated up and down in their respective arcs (e.g., circulararcs) by rotating rods 6,7,8 (the drive mechanism for rotating rods6,7,8 is discussed in more detail below). More particularly, rotatingrods 6,7,8 (which may be reciprocally rotated as shown by arrows D,E,Fof FIG. 1B) may drive arms 9, 10, 11 due to each of arms 9,10,11 beingattached to one of rotating rods 6,7,8.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2N and 6, certain details regarding howrotating rods 6,7,8 are rotated back and forth as discussed above willbe provided. More particularly, it is seen that each of rotating rods6,7,8 has mounted thereto a respective connector element 12,13,14 (inone example, each of connector elements 12, 13,14 may comprise a clampof the type discussed in more detail below). In addition, each ofconnector elements 12,13,14 is connected to tie bar 15 (such that theconnector elements move together (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 6 where isseen that as tie bar 15 reciprocates along arrow (in an essentiallylinear movement), each of rotating rods 6,7,8 is driven (by one ofconnector elements 12,13,14 when the respective clamp is engaged) torotate back and forth (e.g., in a circular arc) as seen by arrowsK,L,M).

Further, it is seen that tie bar 15 is driven to reciprocate along arrowJ by the action of drive bar 16 (operatively connected at one end toconnector element 12 and at the other end to eccentric 17). Of course,eccentric 17 converts the rotary motion shown by arrow N into the motionshown by arrow O associated with drive bar 16 (in one example, therotation associated with eccentric 17 may be a back-and-forth rotation;in another example, the rotation associated with eccentric 17 may be arotation in a single direction).

Again, various components may be driven by one or more motors (e.g.,eccentric 17 may be driven by a motor to cause the various movementsdescribed above).

In one example, each of connector elements 12,13,14 may be clamped toeach rotating rod 6,7,8 such that each clamp may be engaged (thusengaging the respective rotating rod 6,7,8, to cause the respectiverotating rod 6,7,8 to reciprocate along with the respective connectorelement 12,13,14) or disengaged (thus disengaging the respectiverotating rod 6,7,8 to allow the respective rotating rod 6,7,8 to notreciprocate along with the respective connector element 12,13,14). Inanother example, each clamp may be hydraulically and/or pneumaticallyactivated (that is, engaged/disengaged). In another example, each clampmay be activated (that is, engaged/disengaged) under computer control.

In another example, each clamp may be activated (that is,engaged/disengaged) together (that is, all of the arms may be driven toreciprocate at one time). In another example, each clamp may beactivated (that is, engaged/disengaged) independently (that is, one ormore of the arms may be driven to reciprocate at one time while one ormore other arms may not be driven to reciprocate at that time).

Referring now to FIG. 5, certain additional details regarding a clamp ofthe type discussed above is shown (see, e.g., line 200 (which may carryhydraulic and/or pneumatic material (e.g., fluid, air, gas) and contactelement 201 (comprising, for example, a clutch element or the like)).

Referring now to FIG. 3, it is seen that various bearings may beutilized as desired (see, the example bearings 300A-300F of FIG. 3).Further, it is seen that, for example, connectors 400A-400F may beutilized to permit quick replacement of a component without removing anentire rotating rod (for example, connector element 12 may be removedand replaced by disconnecting elements 400C and 400F from rotating rod6).

Referring now to FIG. 4, this Fig. shows a front view of a portion ofthe machine of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, this Fig, shows a perspective view of aportion of the machine of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, this Fig, shows various details associatedwith a portion of the machine as shown in FIG. 7A.

Referring no to FIG. 5A, this Fig shows another perspective view of aportion of the machine of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, this Fig, shows another perspective view of aportion of the machine of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B (this view is similarto the view of FIG. 8A, but with certain parts removed to show otherparts).

Referring now to FIG. 9, this Fig. shows another perspective view of aportion of the machine of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Referring now to FIG. 10, this Fig, shows a plan view of a portion of amachine with independent needle bars according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

As described herein, various embodiments of the present invention mayprovide for the conversion, of rotating motion (see, e.g., eccentric 17and arrow N of FIG. 2A) to angular motion (see, arms 9,10,11 and arrowsA,B,C of FIG. 1B).

In one example, all of the needle bars may be moved together (that is,at the same time in a manner such that movement of one needle bar is notindependent from movement of the other needle bars). In another example,movement of one or more needle bars may be independent from movement ofone or more other needle bars (this may be accomplished, for example, byengaging/disengaging one or more clamps as discussed herein). In anotherexample, independently movable needle bars may be provided in a multipleneedle bar machine (and/or method).

Of note, independently movable needle bars provided in a multiple needlebar machine (and/or method) may provide certain distinguishingfeature(s) over an independent needle configuration. For example, anindependent needle configuration may be very complicated (as compared,for example, to the above-mentioned independently movable needle barsconfiguration). In addition, an independent needle configuration mayhave problems with thread coming out of the needle when a given, needleis raised above the work surface (this problem may be reduced oreliminated through use of the independently movable needle barsconfiguration described herein with reference to various embodiments ofthe present invention because a non-used needle bar may simply be leftat rest). Further, in practice, independent needles may typically onlybe implementable on the first needle bar (due, for example, to the sizeof the implementing pistons and the limited space available in thevicinity of the needle bars (e.g., the limited space available betweenadjacent needle bars)).

In another embodiment, an independently movable needle barsconfiguration may be provided via a mechanism that permits one or moreneedle bars to be lifted up (such that the associated needles would notsew the work surface). In one example of this configuration, all of theneedle bars may be moved together, but, as just mentioned, one or moreof the needle bars may be raised as desired such that the needlesassociated with the raised needle bar(s) would not sew the work surface.Of course, the raised needle bar(s) could also be lowered when it wasdesired that the needles associated with such needle bar(s) would sewthe work surface. In one specific example, needle bar(s) of thisconfiguration could be raised/lowered using a rack and pinion gearsystem. In another example, each needle bar may be electrically,hydraulically and/or pneumatically raised/lowered. In another example,each needle bar may be raised/lowered under computer control. In anotherexample, each needle bar may be raised/lowered together. In anotherexample, each needle bar may be raised/lowered independently (that is,one or more of the needle bars may be raised at one time (such that theneedles associated with the raised needle bar(s) would not sew the worksurface) while one or more other needle bars may be left in the loweredposition (such that the needles associated with the lower needle bar(s)would sew the work surface).

In another example, the machine may be a computer-implemented machine(e.g., implemented using one or more programmed processors).

In another example, the machine may operate at least in part in anautomated manner.

In another example, the method may be a computer-implemented method(e.g., implemented using one or more programmed processors).

In another example, the method may be carried out at least in part in anautomated manner.

In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive, lock stitch may be carried out.

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), lock stitch cording may be carried, out.

In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), a moss stitch/chain chenille stitch may be carried out.

In another embodiment, a machine for making stitches with thread may beprovided, comprising: at least one needle bar (see, e.g., needle bars 3,4, 5 in FIGS. 1A and 1B), wherein the needle bar has attached thereto aplurality of needles (see, e.g., needles 1 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B);a drive train (see, e.g., elements 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 8, 7 and 6 inFIG. 2B—of note, as described above, one or more motors (e.g., electricmotors) may drive element 17); and at least one arm (see, e.g., arms 9,10 and 11 in FIGS. 1A and 1B), the arm having a first end and a secondend, the first end of the arm being connected to the drive train and thesecond end of the arm having attached thereto the needle bar; whereinthe atm is moved by the drive train such that the second end of the armmoves along a path forming an arc; and wherein each of the plurality ofneedles is elongated along a long axis and wherein each of the pluralityof needles is curved along the long axis.

In one example, the machine may perform one (or more) of: (a) sewing;(b) embroidering; and/or (c) quilting.

In another example, the machine may stitch a double chain stitch.

In another example, the machine may stitch a double-needle chain stitch.

In another example, the arc may be a semi-circular arc.

In another example, each of the arm(s) may be moved by the drive trainsuch that the second end of each arm reciprocates back and forth alongthe path forming the arc.

In another example, at least a plurality of the needles may have thesame radius of curvature along the long axis of each of the needles.

In another example, all of the needles may have the same radius ofcurvature along the long axis of each of the needles.

In another example, the radius of curvature, of at least a first one ofthe plurality of the needles may be different along the long axis of thefirst one of the plurality of needles than the radius of curvature of atleast a second one of the plurality of the needles along the long axisof the second one of the plurality of needles.

In another example, the machine may further comprise a programmedcomputer.

In another example, the drive train may comprise at least one motor.

In another example, the motor may comprise an electric motor.

In another embodiment, a machine for making stitches with thread isprovided, comprising: a first needle bar (see, e.g., needle bars 3, 4, 5in FIGS. 1A and 1B) having attached thereto a plurality of needles (see,e.g., needles 1 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B); a second needle bar (see,e.g., needle bars 3, 4, 5 in FIGS. 1A and 1B) having attached thereto aplurality of needles (see, e.g., needles 1 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B);a drive train (see, e.g., elements 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 8, 7 and 6 inFIG. 2B of note, as described above, one or more motors (e.g., electricmotors) may drive element 17); a first arm (see, e.g., arms 9, 10 and 11in FIGS. 1A and 1B), the first arm having a first and a second end, thefirst end of the first arm being selectively driven by the drive trainand the second end of the first arm having attached thereto the firstneedle bar; and a second arm (see, e.g., arms 9, 10 and 11 in FIGS. 1Aand 1B), the second arm having a first and a second end, the first endof the second arm being selectively driven by the drive train and thesecond end of the second arm having attached thereto the second needlebar; wherein, when the first end of the first arm is driven by the drivetrain, the first arm is moved by the drive train such that the secondend of the first arm moves along a path forming a first arc; wherein,when the first end of the second arm is driven by the drive train, thesecond arm is moved by the drive train such that the second end of thesecond arm moves along a path forming a second arc; and wherein thedriving of the first end of the first arm by the drive train isindependent of the driving of the first end of the second arm by thedrive train.

In one example, the machine may perform one (or more) of: (a) sewing;(b) embroidering; and/or (c) quilting.

In another example, the machine may stitch a double chain stitch.

In another example, the machine may stitch a double-needle chain stitch.

In another example; the drive train may comprise a first connectorelement (see, e.g., connector elements 12, 13, 14 in FIGS. 2A and 2B), asecond connector element (see, e.g., connector elements 12, 13, 14 inFIGS. 2A and 2B), a first rod (see, e.g., rods 6, 7, 8 in FIGS. 2A and2B) and a second rod (see, e.g., rods 6, 7, 8 in FIGS. 2A and 2B);wherein the first end of the first arm may be fixed to the first rod andthe first rod may be, selectively rotated by engagement with the firstconnector element; and wherein the first end of the second arm may befixed to the second rod and the second rod may be selectively rotated byengagement with the second connector element.

In another example: the first end of the first arm may be fixed to thefirst rod and the first rod may be selectively reciprocally rotated backand forth by engagement with the first connector element; and the firstend of the second arm may be fixed to the second rod and the second rodmay be selectively reciprocally rotated back and forth by engagementwith the second connector element.

In another example, the first connector element may comprise a firstclamp and the second connector element may comprise a second clamp.

In another example, each of the first clamp and the second clamp maycomprise at least one of: (a) an electromagnet clamping element; (b) ahydraulic clamping element; and/or (c) pneumatic clamping element.

In another example, the drive train may comprise at least one motor.

In another example, the motor may comprise an electric motor.

In another example, the drive train may comprise at least one motoroperatively connected to reciprocally rotate the first connector elementback and forth and to reciprocally rotate the second connector elementback and forth.

In another example: the first arm may be moved by the drive train suchthat the second end of the first arm reciprocates back and forth alongthe path forming the first arc; and the second arm may be moved by thedrive train such that the second end of the second arm reciprocates backand forth along the path forming the second arc.

In another example: when the first end of the first arm is not driven bythe drive train the first arm may be essentially stationary; and whenthe first end of the second arm is not driven by the drive train thesecond arm may be essentially stationary.

In another example, the first arc and the second arc may have the sameradius of curvature.

In another example, a radius of curvature of the first arc may bedifferent from a radius of curvature of the second arc.

In another example: the first are may be a semi-circular arc; and thesecond arc may be a semi-circular arc.

In another example, each of the plurality of needles may be elongatedalong a long axis and each of the plurality of needles may be curvedalong the long axis.

In another example, at least a plurality of the needles may have thesame radius of curvature along the long axis of each of the needles.

In another example, all of the needles may have the same radius ofcurvature along the long axis of each of the needles.

In another example, a radius of curvature of at least a first one of theplurality of the needles may be different along the long axis of thefirst one of the plurality of needles than a radius of curvature of atleast a second one of the plurality of the needles along the long axisof the second one of the plurality of needles.

In another example, the machine may further comprise a programmedcomputer.

In another example, the machine may further comprise a programmedcomputer, wherein the programmed computer may be operatively connectedto the first clamp and the second clamp to provide independent controlover the movement of the first arm and the second arm.

In another embodiment, a machine for making stitches with thread isprovided, comprising: x number of needle bars (see, e.g., needle bars 3,4, 5 in FIGS. 1A and 1B), each of the needle bars having attachedthereto a plurality of needles (see, e.g., needles 1 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2Aand 2B) a drive train (see, e.g., elements 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 8, 7and 6 in FIG. 2B—of note, as described above, one or more motors (e.g.,electric motors) may drive element 17); y number of arms (see, e.g.,arms 9, 10 and 11 in FIGS. 1A and 1B), each of the arms having a firstand a second end, the first end of each of the arms being selectivelydriven by the drive train and the second end of each of the arms havingattached thereto one of the needle bars; wherein, when the first end ofeach of the arms is driven by the drive train, each of the arms is movedby the drive train such that the second end of each of the arms movesalong a path forming an arc; wherein the driving of the first end of atleast one of the arms by the drive train is independent of the drivingof the first end of each of the other arms by the drive train; wherein xis an integer between 2 and 20; and wherein y is an integer between 2and 2.0.

In one example, the driving of the first end of each of the arms by thedrive train may be independent of the driving of the first end of eachof the other arms by the drive train.

In another example, the present invention may be applied (e.g., as amachine and/or method) to a single needle machine or method.

As described herein, various embodiments of the present invention relateto a double chain stitch quilting machine.

In one example, the double chain stitch quilting machine may be capableof working up to 1,400 s.p.m.

In another example, movement is simplified and the number of mechanicalparts needed are reduced.

In another example, a pretension system may be provided.

In another example, various 360 degree continuous pattern(s) may bestitched (e.g., at very high productivity) using various embodiments ofthe present invention.

In another example, production (e.g., stitching) of panel quiltpattern(s) that may be essentially impossible to produce in anessentially continuous manner by other means may be provided.

In another example, various pattern-link drawings may be stitched usingvarious embodiments of the present invention.

In another example, various embodiments of the present invention may beused to operate on elastic knitted materials.

In another example, various embodiments of the present invention mayprovide for one or more of the following: independent presser feet(e.g., instead of a traditional presser plate); independent needle bars(e.g., with oscillating movements); dynamic and constant pretension ofthe materials; and/or real-time control of the yara's tension (and/or ofthe thread's tension).

In another example, three independent needle bars may be utilized.

In another example, various embodiments of the present invention may beused to operate on one or more of the following: mattress; bed cover;and/or bed spread.

In another example, various standard quilting, 360 degree decorativepatterns, and/or pattern-link movement may be produced using a singlehighly productive, flexible and efficient sewing system using variousembodiments of the present invention.

In another example, a fully integrated computerized control system maybe provided.

In another example, material of any desired thickness may be operated on(e.g. up to 2″ foam plus 200 gr wadding).

In another example, various embodiments of the present invention mayprovide for any desired type of sewing, quilting, embroidery and/or thelike.

In another example, high precision control of carriage and rolls mayprovide for one or more of the following: precision in 360 degreepatterns; no skipped stitches in any direction; use of thin needles(e.g., 130/160); and or quilting of extra heavy or very thin fillingmaterials.

In another example, a number of fixed looper positions (e.g., 100 fixedlooper positions) may be provided (e.g., to accept any desired needleset and avoid a long down time to move and set the loopers at newpositions).

In another example, independent positive presser feet (e.g., instead ofa traditional presser plate) may provide for one or more of thefollowing: presser feet only correspond to position of needles; verytight stitches; and/or more quitting thickness and of effect.

In another example, a 90 degree looper bars reversing system may beprovided (e.g., which may allow easy and fast looper threadingoperation).

In another example, bartack and jump (e.g., with an automatic top threadcutting system essentially assuring zero tail on top surface) may beprovided.

In another example, an upper thread feeder with yo-yo action may beprovided (e.g., such upper thread feeder with yo-yo action may, thanksto its progressive pulling action, allow a stronger closing of stitcheswithout stressing the top threads has compared, for example, to atraditional butterfly system)—thus avoiding thread breaks.

In another example, stop motion action may be provided for needlesand/or loopers (this may allow, for example, visual control of thetension of every thread). In another example, the stop motion action maybe integrated into software.

In another example, a working speed may be up to 1,400 spm.

In another example, a pattern range may be 360 degrees.

In another example, a carriage stroke may be 12″ (305 mm).

In another example, there may be no theoretical limit in back sewing.

In another example, equalized stitch length in all directions may beprovided.

In another example, there may be a three needle bar configuration asfollows: 1″×3″×6″.

In another example, a multi-roll material handing system may beprovided.

In another example, stitch length may be ⅙ mm.

For the purposes of this disclosure, a computer readable medium is amedium that stores computer data in machine readable them. By way ofexample, and not limitation, a computer readable medium can comprisecomputer storage media as well as communication media, methods orsignals. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile,removable and non-removahle media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computerstorage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,flash memory or other solid state memory technology; CD-ROM, DVD, orother optical storage; cassettes, tape, disk, or other magnetic storagedevices; or any other medium which can be used to tangibly store thedesired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

Further, the present invention may, of course, be implemented using anyappropriate computer readable medium, computer hardware and/or computersoftware.

As mentioned, the techniques described herein may, of course, becomputer implemented and may utilize any appropriate computer hardwareand/or computer software. In this regard, those of ordinary skill in thean are well versed in the type of computer hardware that may be used(e.g., a personal computer (“PC”), a network (e.g., an intranet and/orthe Internet)), the type of computer programming techniques that may beused, and the type of computer programming languages that may be used.The aforementioned examples are, of course, illustrative and notrestrictive.

Of course, any embodiment/example, described herein (or any feature orfeatures of any embodiment/example described herein) may be combinedwith any other embodiment/example described herein (or any feature orfeatures of any such other embodiment/example described herein).

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative onlyand not restrictive, and that many modifications may become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art. For example, any desired numberand/or type of motors(s) may be utilized (e.g., electric AC motor(s);electric DC motors(s); electric stepper motor(s); electric inductionmotor(s); electric linear motor(s); electric actuators (e.g., linearactuator(s)); piston(s) (hydraulic and/or pneumatic)). Further still,any desired number of need le(s) may be used on any desired number ofneedle bar(s). Further still, any desired number of arm(s) may be usedon any given needle bar (e.g., multiple arms for each needle bar).Further still, any desired number of arm(s) may be used on any givenrotating rod (e.g., multiple arms for each rotating rod). Further still,any desired number of rotating rod(s) may be utilized. Further still,any desired number of hooks(s) may be utilized. Further still, anydesired number of presser feet may be utilized. Further still, anyreciprocation described herein may be, for example, a back-and-forthoscillation. Further still, any rotation described herein may be, forexample, a back-and-forth rotation or a rotation in one direction only.Further still, the various steps may be carried out in any desired order(and any desired steps may be added and/or any desired steps may beeliminated).

What is claimed is:
 1. A machine for making stitches with thread,comprising: at least one needle bar, wherein the needle bar has attachedthereto a plurality of needles; a drive train; and at least one arm, thearm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the arm beingconnected to the drive train and the second end of the arm havingattached thereto the needle bar; wherein the arm is moved by the drivetrain such that the second end of the arm moves along a path forming anarc; and wherein each of the plurality of needles is elongated along along axis and wherein each of the plurality of needles is curved alongthe long axis.
 2. The stitching machine of claim 1, wherein the machineperforms one of: (a) sewing; (b) embroidering; and (c) quilting.
 3. Thestitching machine of claim 1, wherein the machine stitches a doublechain stitch.
 4. The stitching machine of claim 1, wherein the arc is asemi-circular arc.
 5. The stitching machine of claim 1, wherein the armis moved by the drive train such that the second end of the armreciprocates back and forth along the path forming the arc.
 6. Thestitching machine of claim 1, wherein at least a plurality of theneedles have the same radius of curvature along the long axis of each ofthe needles.
 7. The stitching machine of claim 6, wherein all of theneedles have the same radius of curvature along the long axis of each ofthe needles.
 8. The stitching machine of claim 1, wherein the radius ofcurvature of at least a first one of the plurality of the needles isdifferent along the long axis of the first one of the plurality ofneedles than the radius of curvature of at least a second one of theplurality of the needles along the long axis of the second one of theplurality of needles.
 9. The stitching machine of claim 1, furthercomprising a programmed computer.
 10. The stitching machine of claim 1,wherein the drive train comprises at least one motor.
 11. The stitchingmachine of claim 10, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor. 12.A machine for making stitches with thread, comprising: a first needlebar having attached thereto a plurality of needles; a second needle barhaving attached thereto a plurality of needles; a drive train; a firstarm, the first arm having a first and a second end, the first end of thefirst arm being selectively driven by the drive train and the second endof the first arm having attached thereto the first needle bar; and asecond arm, the second arm having a first and a second end, the firstend of the second arm being selectively driven by the drive train andthe second end of the second arm having attached thereto the secondneedle bar; wherein, when the first end of the first arm is driven bythe drive train, the first arm is moved by the drive train such that thesecond end of the first arm moves along a path forming a first arc;wherein, when the first end of the second arm is driven by the drivetrain, the second arm is moved by the drive train such that the secondend of the second arm moves along a path forming a second arc; andwherein the driving of the first end of the first arm by the drive trainis independent of the driving of the first end of the second arm by thedrive train.
 13. The stitching machine of claim 12, wherein the machineperforms one of: (a) sewing; (b) embroidering; and (c) quilting.
 14. Thestitching machine of claim 12, wherein the machine stitches a doublechain stitch.
 15. The stitching machine of claim 12, wherein: the drivetrain comprises a first connector element, a second connector element, afirst rod and a second rod; wherein the first end of the first arm isfixed to the first rod and the first rod is selectively rotated byengagement with the first connector element; and wherein the first endof the second arm is fixed to the second rod and the second rod isselectively rotated by engagement with the second connector element. 16.The stitching machine of claim 15, wherein: the first end of the firstarm is fixed to the first rod and the first rod is selectivelyreciprocally rotated back and forth by engagement with the firstconnector element; and the first end of the second arm is fixed to thesecond rod and the second rod is selectively reciprocally rotated backand forth by engagement with the second connector element.
 17. Thestitching machine of claim 16, wherein the first connector elementcomprises a first clamp and the second connector element comprises asecond clamp.
 18. The stitching machine of claim 17, wherein each of thefirst clamp and the second clamp comprises at least one of: (a) anelectromagnet clamping element; (b) a hydraulic clamping element; and(c) a pneumatic clamping element.
 19. The stitching machine of claim 1$,wherein the drive train comprises at least one motor.
 20. The stitchingmachine of claim 19, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor.